The 1896-S Morgan Dollar has long been considered a difficult issue to acquire, despite the relatively high mintage of 5,000,000 coins. Unlike some of the earlier Morgan Dollars struck by the San Francisco Mint, this issue usually displays softer strikes and average or below average luster. This makes attractive, mint state examples difficult to acquire.
The coin carries a premium in circulated through uncirculated grades. Incredibly, a 1896-S Morgan Dollar has been graded MS69 by PCGS. This coin from the Jack Lee collection sold for $402,500 at auction in 2005.
1896-S Morgan Dollar Mintage and Specifications
- Mintage: 5,000,000
- Mint mark: S (San Francisco)
- Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper
- Weight: 26.73 grams
- Diameter: 38.1 mm